Chemical Exec Sentenced After Stealing More Than $2 Million

CHICAGO (AP) — The former general manager of a Chicago-area chemical company has been sentenced to six years in prison for stealing more than $2 million from the business. The Cook County State's Attorney's Office says 56-year-old Kathleen Barth of Chicago pleaded guilty on Tuesday to stealing from Melrose Park-based Kraft Chemical Corporation while serving as general manager.

Prosecutors claim Barth stole more than $2.1 million between May 2006 and April 2012 by fraudulently increasing her salary and giving herself bonuses and commissions that weren't authorized. They say she had complete control of the company's finances. She wrote checks and electronically transferred money to herself. She also allegedly wrote company checks to contractors who were remodeling her home.

Cook County Judge Mauricio Arajho ordered Barth to pay $1.5 million in restitution.